The Texas Rangers on Tuesday ended left-hander Andrew Faulkner's long season by sending him home from the Arizona Fall League.

Faulkner had two scoreless relief appearances in the league, which brings top prospects together. The Rangers determined it was better to shut down Faulkner rather than have him continue in the league. Faulkner is healthy, according to the club.

Left-hander Shane McCain, who had 75 strikeouts in 74 1/3 innings in the High-A California League this season, took Faulkner's spot on the Surprise roster.

Faulkner, 24, opened the season in the Rangers' bullpen after a strong showing in spring training. He returned to Triple-A Round Rock after being scored upon in two of his first appearances.

Faulkner came back to the majors for eight days in May and also spent the final month of the season with the Rangers. He made only one appearance in September, working a scoreless inning.

Faulkner had a strong finish at Round Rock. He was scored on only once in his final eight appearances and allowed five hits with eight strikeouts in 9 1/3 innings during that span.